A’Ibom kidnap kingpin killed, G3 rifle recovered

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have neutralised a notorious  Kidnap kingpin, and gang leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, alias Condiment.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, titled, “Notorious kidnap kingpin/sea pirate meets Waterloo,” on Thursday.

She stated that the suspect was killed in a gun battle with operatives of the command in his hideout at the Uyanga Community of Cross River State and a G3 rifle with ammunition recovered from him.

According to the statement, the suspect was responsible for the kidnap of a High Court Judge, Joy Unwana and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, in 2023.

Other kidnap cases linked to the slain suspect, the statement claimed, included the gruesome murder of the CEO Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd and the kidnapping of his sales representative and pharmacist, Joemel

The statement reads, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, has neutralised a dreaded kidnap kingpin/ sea pirate whose stock in trade was to kidnap, kill, maim and wreak havoc in society.

“The kingpin, Ubong Effiong Archibong, (M), alias Condiment, a gang leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force terrorising the Uruan/Oron Waterways were responsible for the kidnapping of a High Court Judge, Joy Unwana and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, the gruesome murder of the CEO Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd and kidnapping of his sales rep.

“The suspect was also responsible for the kidnap of Pharmacist Joemel as well as also responsible for the kidnap of Mr. Brown, CEO Mingles Hotel.

She said the suspect was neutralised during a gun battle with operatives of the command in his hideout at Uyanga Community in Cross River State.

“One G3 rifle with four live ammunition was recovered from the suspect. The corpse of the suspect was recovered and deposited at the morgue. Investigations with full intent to arrest other members of the gang are ongoing.”